DEVELOPMENTS IN METOCEAN INFORMATION IN SUPPORT OF US OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY AND THE OCEAN SCIENCES

Abstract

Strong growth of offshore wind energy development is driving demand for better char-acterizing meteorological and oceanographic (metocean) conditions where physical data are tradi-tionally sparse. Most offshore wind energy structures extend from the seafloor up through the full water column and into the atmosphere to heights approaching 300 m. This requires a comprehensive understanding of anticipated waves, swells, currents, and weather over the life cycle of offshore wind energy projects. This paper describes the relevance of key metocean parameters and analyses to the offshore wind energy field and examines the opportunities and challenges that may be encountered by metocean initiatives, particularly in the United States where offshore wind energy is in the early stages of development. We also suggest ways in which offshore wind energy driven metocean activities can reap spin-off benefits to broader oceanographic interests.